Fulfilling The Great Commission Project

June, 2010

Read the Report Summary below.

Read the full report here  (Authored by Dan Walker for the Project Team)

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Report Summary

Fulfilling The Great Commission Project

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
June 9, 2010

“Our purpose is to discover how to fulfill the Great Commission by understanding what environment and experiences people need to grow deep relationships with God and His family”.

Background & Method

The Fulfilling the Great Commission team developed the above purpose statement and a list of objectives to guide our research. One-on-one interviews were conducted with a cross-section of individuals representing various stages of life and levels of church involvement.

Summary

The general impression of the interviews was that the community wants a feeling of family and all that it brings to their lives. The center of all they want is an environment and experience based on learning and living scripture in a safe and accepting environment. It is important that they also feel challenged to grow and develop as individuals and as a community.

Key Results

1. Scripture should be the central focus of everything we do.
2. Worship should be 65 minutes maximum, with sermons which are short, real, relevant, personal, educational and challenging. More drama and other elements should be included. Worship services need better flow, more enthusiasm and should include organized prayer. The worship music should be of high quality, with fresh, updated music, but not so loud as to drown out the singing.
3. Church needs to feel like a family atmosphere which ministers to people at all levels of spiritual maturity. It needs to be indispensable and exceptional. People feel ownership of church (“my” church) and unexplained or unexpected changes harm this feeling. Our programs and ministries should demonstrate our “heart for the lost”.
4. Quality children's programs, which successfully compete with secular entertainment, are key for families with young kids. Some interaction with children in worship is desirable.
5. Programs should be available year round and not just on Sunday morning. A weekday pastor-led Bible study is desired.
6. Two service times are desired for schedule flexibility.
7. Excited people will bring new people. Various marketing techniques to draw people should be considered. A fellowship time (outside of worship) fosters a good atmosphere. More greeters are needed.
8. Our building needs to be easily available for use to both the church community and the greater community.

Recommendations